By Faye Spooner
House of Travel brought together 130 of its key suppliers and industry partners at an exclusive thank-you event this week, set against the skyline at SO/ Hotel’s rooftop bar.
It was a night that emphasised connection, collaboration and a business moving with confidence into 2026 and beyond.
The gathering reflected House of Travel’s continued upward trajectory after another year of standout performance and record sales. With this momentum, the focus is now on sustained growth with quality revenue, according to CEO David Coombes who spokecandidly about the evolving travel landscape.
‘Leisure is absolutely holding up,’ he says, noting that while North America has presented challenges, demand is shifting strongly towards alternative destinations.
He notes that corporate travel, meanwhile, continues to rebound in line with the economy, with more intensive travel patterns emerging.
Almost one year into a three-year strategic plan, Coombes reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail. Quality revenue, he says, is driven by stores and relationships, with physical connections remaining central to success.
Coombes highlighted the continued strength of House of Travel’s Australian operations and its Trans-Tasman growth ambitions, as the business looks to build greater scale and capture increased market share in Australia’s larger market. He also acknowledged the success of the company’s broker model, which complements the company’s retail footprint.
Above all the message of the evening to suppliers was clear: partnership matters. ‘We are a partnership-driven business,’ Coombes concluded. ‘You plus us equals happy customers.’
Tahlia Crocker, Allianz; Cara Botica, Allianz; Adam Ferraro, Club Med (based in MEL), Nicholas Dew, Hawaiian Airlines; Sarah Porter Niue Tourism, Lisa Linn, Visit Anaheim and Stuba
Kim du Plessis, G-Adventures; Dave Fordyce House of Travel, Yvonne and Dennis Payne, House of Travel Orewa
Alyssa Field, South Sea Cruises; Mel Watson, Silversea; Wayne Deed, Musket Cove
Kirsten Lee-Burgess, House of Travel head office; Marija Tolj, The Travel Corporation
Megan Porter, Norwegian Cruise Line; Cara Botica, Allianz Insurance; Jacqui Kennedy, House of Travel head office; Dani Ened, Oceania Cruises
Alison Hopkirk, Delta Air Lines, Sarah Porter, Niue Tourism; Samantha Martin, Wendy Wu Tours; Lesley Perrie, Innovative Travel and Wide Eyed Tours
